Chapter 13: Fractured Mind

Somewhere over South Africa, two jet engines were roaring like great beasts. Sent out by Starscream, the Decepticons Hotlink and Red Wing were flying over the continent, in search of the site where Megatron's plan went wrong. It's been over half an hour since their arrival. However, there's nothing in sight. No spacetime tower, no space bridges, no signs of Decepticon fortifications, not even anything that would hint to there being a confrontation between Autobots and Decepticons. South Africa looked… completely normal.

"I don't understand, Red Wing," Hotlink said. "My sensors were just picking up something big in this area. We've flown around for half an Earth hour, but there's nothing here."

"It's gotta be Autobots hiding in plain sight then!" Red Wing replied. "If it ain't Decepticons, then it's got to be Autobots, don't you think, Hotlink?"

"I'm not jumping to conclusions. It could be someone we don't know."

"And I doubt they're friendly if they're trying to hide like this."

During their investigation, the two seekers picked up a large energy signature coming from South Africa, leading them to believe that there's somebody here. The signature was very suspicious, especially the way it constantly appears and disappears on a whim. However, it always appears in this exact area. Even though there's nothing important in sight, that didn't stop them from looking. The two strafed in the air as they looked around, still in their jet forms. The energy signature was close, right on top of them even. Was it cloaked? Was it a small machine? They don't know.

"Whatever this is, it might be something that we can't see with our optics," Hotlink said. "If I had a magnifier like that Perceptor, then this search would be much easier."

"I'm telling ya, it's got to be Autobots in hiding." Red Wing said, again. "There's something they want to keep hidden from Decepticons, and I think it's time we spilled the beans on their little secret."

[Transformers Galaxy Force OST - Galaxy Force]

Red Wing activates his engines and blasts off ahead of his companion.

"Red Wing, wait!" Hotlink shouted chasing after the hotshot Decepticon. "This is just a scouting mission!"

The red seeker wasn't listening to his ally as he lowered his altitude, transforming into robot mode.

"Alright Autobots in hiding, listen up!" he shouted, pointing his arm blasters towards the ground below. "The name's Red Wing! I dunno what you're up to, but it's about to end here! Show yourselves with your hands up, and weapons disarmed, and I promise not to shoot you while I destroy your base!"

The Decepticon waited a few seconds, fully expecting a response. Sadly for South Africa, none came. There were no Autobots in hiding. But Red Wing didn't know that.

"You giving me the silent treatment? Alright… Maybe a few warning shots'll make you change your mind!"

WIthout further hesitation, the devil may care Decepticon aimed and fired his blasters. It was true mindless destruction. Red Wing didn't know what he was firing at, he just hoped that he hit something Autobot related. Hotlink watched as the Drakensberg mountains were being blown apart by Red Wing's "warning shots".

"This is ridiculous," he said, transforming to robot mode. "He doesn't even know if he's going to hit anything. All he's doing is making a mess of things."

Red Wing paused his attack, noticing that there was still no response from the enemies he thought were in hiding.

"Still trying to hold out after that barrage?" Red Wing asked loudly. "Alright, I see how it is! Let's see if a few bombs can't shake up your servos, Autobots!"

Red Wing transformed and started his engines, thrusting off further into South Africa. Hotlink groaned before transforming as well, flying after his hotheaded companion. As he flew low, Red Wing started firing his missiles towards the ground in a bombing run fashion. Hotlink slowed down and ascended, keeping his distance to avoid being caught in the barrage. The missiles exploded, tearing up the mountainside and flinging debris everywhere. The Decepticon jet paid no attention to his surroundings and what he was attacking. He flew past a group of hikers, most of them shaken up by the power of his engines. They had no time to run before one of his missiles went off. All that was left in their place was a hole in the mountain. Red Wing started to pull up shortly after, low on ammo.

"Scrap! I'm almost out of missiles!" the Decepticon exclaimed. He transformed and resumed firing his blasters. "Come on out, Autobots! Or maybe I oughta start calling you Yellowbots!"

"That's enough, Red Wing!" Hotlink shouted, approaching his ally. "Can't you tell? There's no Autobots here! You're just destroying things at random for no reason!"

"If that energy signature isn't Decepticon, then it's got to belong to one of our enemies, am I right?"

"There's still the off chance it could belong to a neutral party."

As Red Wing was about to make a retort, the Decepticons picked up something once again. Relatively in the same area as before, that stray signal appeared.

"There it is again!" Red Wing exclaimed. "Looks like we flew too far in. It's behind us now. Come on!"

Red Wing transformed once again, flying off back where they came. Hotlink didn't even bother telling him to wait. By now he's realized, Red Wing isn't going to listen to a thing he says. The red seeker followed his computer until he was right on top of the energy source. Red Wing transformed, and opened fire on the ground below as he strafed backwards. After firing half a dozen shots, the Decepticon checked his computer again. He was surprised. The energy signature didn't disappear.

"That's weird," he said. "I shot right where it was on my map. Did I still miss it?"

Hotlink flew up and transformed, floating a good distance away from his ally. "If you didn't hit it after all of that, then chances are our sensors may be faulty." he said. "We need to check in with Flatline in the medbay once we get back to the Nemesis."

"Starscream's not gonna like it when we come back empty handed, you know that, Hotlink."

"I don't think lying to him would be any better. There's nothing out here besides the two of us."

"Still, don't you think that it's a little strange that-" Red Wing looked up at Hotlink. The Decepticon rubbed his eyes for a moment as he saw something strange. Hotlink looked… blurry to him. "What in the…?"

"What's wrong?"

"I think my optics might be messing up. For some reason, you're looking really blurry all of a sudden."

"Blurry? Your eyes must be really bad. Here, don't bother flying back to the Nemesis. I'll transform and carry-"

The Decepticons' sensors started going off again, informing them that the energy signature was growing right around.

"What in the world?" Hotlink asked. "This reading is…"

"Hey Hotlink, you hear that whirring noise?" Red Wing asked. "Or is that my ears going out too?"

The Decepticon didn't have time to answer. Red Wing and Hotlink suddenly witnessed space, time, all of reality started to distort around them. There was no time for Red Wing to process it. By the time it happened, it was already over. The world around him was back to normal… except for one thing.

Hotlink was missing.

"…Hotlink…? Hotlink?" Red Wing called out, looking all around him.

The Decepticon checked his computer, and not only was the unknown energy signal gone, but so was any trace of Hotlink. Now that his ally vanished without a trace, Red Wing could only respond with one thing.

"Uh-oh…"

[Transformers G1 OST - Auto Ambition]

Not long after Soundwave made his escape, everyone on Arzenal didn't waste time getting ready to leave. With one dropship remaining, everyone loaded supplies onto it,including the remaining Para-mails, Nu Gundam, and some spare parts and took off, the Norma saying goodbye to the prison that became their home. There wasn't enough room in the dropship for everything, so several Para-mails had been strapped to the outside.

Of course, the flight back to the Solomon Islands was no joyride either. Soundwave's escape left everyone in a worrisome mood… or at least all of those who were still awake. Due to being up all night, Momoka, Zhao Mei, Hikaru, and Olivier all passed out. No one could blame them. Pamela watched over the four while the others were discussing Soundwave's transformation.

"He had them working on that tower all damn night?" Ange asked, Salia explaining everything she could.

"I wish I had realized sooner that something was wrong," Salia replied. "I can't believe we just let a Decepticon run wild in our own base like that."

"Even I wasn't expecting Soundwave to be here all alone," Bumblebee said. "Boy, I was shocked when he got the jump on me."

"He got the jump on all of us, Bumblebee." Sideswipe responded. "We really should've been more alert. I can't believe Soundwave managed to hide under all of our noses. Even Optimus'!"

"If we hadn't come back when we did, who knows what could've happened to all of you…?" Amuro sighed.

"Well, for starters, I'd… probably be in more than one piece." Bumblebee replied with a dark joke, referring to the thermal detpak that would've blown him into pieces. Thankfully, Sideswipe disarmed it after everything was over.

"All of you seem to be forgetting several important problems that's come out of this." Jill spoke up. "One of the Decepticons is well aware that we've packed up and fled Arzenal, and might even be aware of where we're relocating to. Along with that… Now, he has our technology. He stole the design of the Arquebus and customized it to fit his needs."

"No offense, but I think we already know that the Para-mail's inferior to Decepticons," Hilda said. "What good will having that do? It's not like he was able to scan the Villkiss."

"Embryo."

Jill didn't have to say anything else. The girls realized what she meant. Nonetheless, she continued on. "We know he's working alongside them. If they have his help, then I suspect he could use the Arquebus as a basis to develop new Ragna-mail. Or worse. Giving the Decepticons the same abilities as the Villkiss."

"I'm a little lost here…" Sideswipe chimed back in. "What's so special about the Villkiss again? Isn't it just like the others, but white?"

"That's right, you weren't here to see the Convergence Cannons in action." Amuro replied.

"The uh… what?"

"Powerful weapons. She wiped out a large Decepticon force with one blast."

"It's bad enough that Embryo is in possession of at least three other Ragna-mail," Jill said, tensing up as she thought about the worst possible scenarios. "Most likely, he has Ersha as a pilot, Cleopatra, and his own Hysterica along with them, for a total of the remaining six."

"What's to say the Decepticons don't already have your technology then?" Bumblebee questioned.

"I don't think he'd be dumb enough to just give away all the Ragna-mail secrets to them. I doubt Embryo would trust them. But since Soundwave has Para-mail technology, Embryo may use this as a chance to learn more about Cybertronians in exchange for providing his allies with Ragna-mail info. Worst case scenario… Embryo creates Convergence Cannons for Soundwave and the other Decepticons. Possibly Amuro's enemies as well."

Jill had a point with every statement she made. Soundwave's escape can only hurt the group in the long run.

"I'll bring these issues up to Optimus Prime once we've reunited with the other Autobots." she stated. "I want to hear what he'll say about this before I go about planning our next move."

"I just hope the Decepticons don't get any ideas to come attack us again," Hilda said, looking down at her broken leg still in a cast. "We're already badly outnumbered. And now, some of us aren't even in fighting shape."

"Glaive Hilda's been scrapped anyway," Salia commented, surprising Hilda. "You can focus on healing up until we can get you a new Para-mail."

"Wait, what do you mean scrapped?!"

"Turns out, that's what Soundwave used to make that bomb he placed on Bumblebee. He made Zhao Mei and the others disassemble your Para-mail. It's out of the picture for good."

"Y–You're kidding… You mean I've been sidelined?!" Hilda banged her fist on the wall behind her. "Bullshit! We need everyone we've got to stand a chance here!"

"We're not letting you go into battle while your leg is like that. You were going to sit out for a while, whether your Para-mail was dismantled or not."

Hilda groaned, leaning back against the wall as she accepted her predicament.

[Transformers G1 OST - Under Siege]

"Decepticon signal approaching from high speeds… No sir, it's coming from the opposite direction… I think it's from where the Autobots were hiding out."

The cargo door on the back of the Nemesis began opening as a Decepticon was approaching the warship. However, the Decepticons aboard were confused by the detected signal. Judging on its direction, the Decepticon wasn't Hotlink or Red Wing returning. But at the speed it was moving, it must've been a Seeker, or at least, that's what the Decepticons at the cargo hold hoped. Vortex and Quake were standing by with a squad of grunt soldiers, waiting to see who would arrive.

"They put in a request for landing, claiming to be Soundwave," one of the grunts was reporting what they knew to Starscream, who was at the bridge. "What? Vortex said he wanted to… But, Lord Starscream, what if it–"

"Think this is an Autobot trick?" Quake asked the Combaticon.

"Doubt it," Vortex answered. "They're far too outnumbered to muster up a raid on the Nemesis, even if they used one of the stolen dropships. But… Soundwave shouldn't be moving this fast, even though he can fly."

The grunt soldier approached the Combaticon. "Sir. Lord Starscream wants us to close the bridge.

"Tell him we'll shoot down whatever tries to get in here if it isn't one of ours. I want answers, and the only way we get any is by letting whoever this is in our line of sight, hoping it's actually Soundwave."

"Target is in sight!" Quake yelled, a lone figure appearing in the horizon.

Vortex and the other Decepticons all took aim at the object. While they couldn't make it out from a distance, they wouldn't have to wait long as it approached them very quickly. Quake and several grunt soldiers fired blaster shots towards the object, only for it to casually avoid them as it came in close.

"It's moving too fast!" Quake shouted.

"Out of the way!" Vortex ordered. "Surround it, don't let it leave the cargo bay!"

Several Decepticons jumped back while others rolled to the side. The unrecognizable figure flew straight into the ship, slowing down to where it strafed in the air. From its cockpit, Frenzy, Rumble, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw were all ejected, one by one.

"Hey, hey, hey! Easy, we're friendlies!" Rumble shouted.

"You're pointing those guns at the wrong guy!" Frenzy exclaimed, Ravage snarling as well.

"Those are Soundwave's minicons!" one of the grunts exclaimed. "But then, that would mean–"

"I am Soundwave."

The unknown machine transformed, bearing a robot mode similar to Soundwave's normal physique. None of the Decepticons were yet aware of the communications officer's new look, but they couldn't deny that it was most likely the Soundwave they know.

"Soundwave…" Vortex said. "Is that– What happened to you?"

"A new vehicle mode was required to efficiently escape Autobot hands."

"Did things go south over there?" Quake asked. "What happened? Where are the Autobots? Are they on their way here?!"

Soundwave shook his head. "Briefing will commence shortly." The communications officer looked around. "Where is Embryo?"

[Cross Ange OST - Partnerre]

With the man in question, Embryo decided to go on a stroll around the Nemesis, without using Hysterica. Granted, this made any walk in the Decepticon warship more than twice as long, he didn't seem to mind. He also had Irma accompanying him as a bodyguard, the Norma walking by his side.

"Master Embryo…" Irma started to say. "Is this safe? With our size, we could be easily overlooked if anyone were to come down this hallway. They might crush us, like ants."

"A valid concern," Embryo replied. "However, there's no point for us to remain in one spot while we're here. And a nice stroll could do wonders for clearing your mind. After all, Irma, you seem to be… quite tense."

The man placed a hand on Irma's shoulder, making the Norma blush from the affection.

"I'm flattered… by the concern you have for me." Irma said. "However, there is no need for that. I am well, Master Embryo, and I fully intend to make up for my past mistake involving Arzenal and its new allies."

"Your loyalty to me, as always, is truly appreciated, Irma. It's no wonder why I've made you the head of the Diamond Rose Knights."

"I have no intention of ever turning against you, Master. I will forever be grateful to the man who saved me when I was abandoned by the Norma at Arzenal. Something that traitor Salia seemed to take for granted."

Truthfully, Embryo would like to get his hands on Salia, if not Ange. Not out of any personal feelings, but because not only does he need a pilot for the Ragna-mail Cleopatra, Salia still has the royal ring he gave her. Not to mention… Chris' Ragna-mail was wrecked in the last battle, along with the pilot's mental state.

"Perhaps I could make her the pilot for Cleopatra…" Embryo thought out loud.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." Irma said. "Did you say something about Cleopatra?"

Embryo smiled. "Pay it no mind. I was merely talking to myself… Actually… Irma, could I ask for your opinion?"

"Ask me anything, Master."

"With one of our Ragna-mail out of commission, Chris will not be able to fight alongside you, Tanya, and Ersha until a replacement machine can be found. I was considering allowing her to use Cleopatra as a replacement for Theodra. What would you say to that idea?"

"While… making sure we're at maximum fighting strength is important… Chris… She's in no state to fight. Her mental state is… something I could never accurately describe, or depict on a canvas. Ersha and Tanya were comforting her, but I don't believe she'll be ready for deployment anytime soon."

"And if her mind wasn't a factor?"

"I'm afraid I don't follow…"

"Exclude her current state of mind from the equation. How would you respond to my question now?"

"Exclude her… Then… I would believe that Chris could pilot Cleopatra just like the Theodra, and we could return to full fighting strength."

"Good."

"But… Master Embryo, I don't think there's any chance of that happening soon. Who knows? Maybe our Decepticon allies will help, and fix Theodra by the time she recovers."

"Worry not. I can assure you that Chris' mind will be in the best shape. Possibly better than ever."

"You… Can you guarantee that?"

"Do you doubt my abilities?"

"Of course not! It's just that…" Irma shifted her eyes away from Embryo.

"Or is it because… you harbor some animosity towards your fellow knight?"

Embryo had struck the nail on the head. Even though the battle was over, several points of it still plagued her mind. Irma remembers the fact that during the battle, Chris stepped out of her Ragna-mail when she had the advantage, and seemed to be having a conversation with Hilda. Back then, Irma was prepared to shoot Chris for betrayal, and would have had Embryo not interfered. However, to her, it didn't change the fact that she witnessed Chris conversing with the enemy. She wasn't sure if she could still be trusted. Was she worried for her mental state? Yes. Was she eager to have her return to the team? No.

"...She seemed so willing to stab us all in the back during our invasion on Arzenal," Irma replied. "She casually conversed with the enemy, and I don't know a damn thing they said to each other. I'm sorry, Master Embryo. But if I may bring my feelings into this, I would not want to see Chris piloting another Ragna-mail, or anything at all for that matter. Not until we can confirm where her loyalties lie."

"...I see. Yet… You seemed to be worried about whether or not her mental state would recover."

"I can't help it. Seeing one of my own suffer like that mentally… It makes me feel as if I've failed as a leader… Perhaps that's why I witnessed what looked like a treacherous act. Maybe Chris was unsatisfied with my skills so…"

Irma gasped when Embryo wrapped his arm around the girl, pulling her close as they kept walking.

"M-Master Embryo, we shouldn't be doing this here!" she exclaimed. "I need to have free range to move in case someone comes at you with ill intent!"

"Irma…" Embryo said. "Hearing you say those things makes me feel as if maybe I have also failed the four of you."

"Please, don't say such things…"

"But they're the truth. After all, I've given you this position. To see that the woman I elected to be a leader is having these doubts… the only thing I can do in return is doubt my own judgments."

"Master…" Irma closed her eyes. "I-I'm sorry. If you regret making me leader of the Diamond Rose Knights, I'll resign, here and now. I swear!"

"There is no need for that, Irma. I still want to have faith in you. I still want to believe that a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman like you was the best choice I could have made." The girl blushed as Embryo continued. "I won't be removing you from your position. But… I ask that you have more faith in me. Have faith that I can deal with Chris' mental state and show you that she's not the traitor you think she is. Can you do that for me?"

"Master…"

Irma averted her eyes as she and Embryo stopped walking. The woman found herself against the wall as Embryo stood right in front of her. As he lifted her face up by her chin, the Norma could've sworn her heart skipped a beat.

"As your Master… Can you put your faith in me to deal with what's troubling you?"

"I… I believe in you…"

Irma slowly closed her eyes as the two moved closer and closer. Embryo's lips collided with hers, the Norma embracing a sweet, passionate kiss from her master. Irma felt like all her worries could just disappear. All she'd have to do was leave everything to Embryo, and she'd have no more worries. The girl fully embraced Embryo's kiss, the two wrapping their arms around each other as Irma was barely given any time between kisses to catch her breath.

While it felt like this could last forever, their make out session was cut short by the sound of footsteps. Human sized footsteps. That sound was enough to alert both of them as they broke off the kiss. Looking to the side, the two were surprised to see Chris walking down the hallway, slowly approaching them.

"Chris…?" Irma said cautiously.

"This is a surprise," Embryo said as he and Irma approached Chris. "You seem to be doing well if you can walk around like this. I was about to come look for you after we were done here."

Chris didn't say anything. Irma and Embryo both thought something was wrong. The way she moved was unnerving, and she looked down the entire time. Irma stepped in front of Embryo, hovering her right hand over her holster.

"Are you alright?" Irma asked.

Chris suddenly looked up, glaring at Irma as she reached for her gun. Irma began drawing hers from her holster, but wasn't fast enough. Chris drew hers and shot Irma in the right arm, making her drop her gun. Embryo sighed as he took a few steps back before reaching into his coat. All the while, he watched as Chris kicked Irma in the chest, knocking her down. The Norma turned and pointed her gun towards Embryo, who pulled out his revolver and pointed it at Chris.

"This is quite the surprise," Embryo said. "I wasn't expecting something like this from you."

Irma tried to get up. "Master Embryo!"

"DON'T MOVE!" Chris shouted at both Irma and Embryo, her breathing getting heavier.

[Cross Ange OST - Uzumaku Ensa]

The two took note of the fearful look on her face, the way her hands were shaking to the point it's surprising she could hold a gun, and the fact that she was sweating profusely. Chris was terrified of the situation she started. She focused all her attention on Embryo, who remained calm as the two had guns pointed at each other. The blonde man knew exactly why she was so afraid. Chris was free. With everything that's happened, the hypnotic control he had over her was broken, and she was scared that she'd become his slave once again.

"What's the matter?" Embryo asked. "Are you not going to shoot me?"

The calm voice which he spoke to her with only made Chris even more terrified. Assaulting Irma, holding him in a standoff. Embryo wasn't phased in the slightest. The Norma kept her gun pointed at him, a finger hovering over the trigger.

"Honestly, Chris, all this did was save me the trouble of having to walk back and find you. If you're not going to pull the trigger, then I don't need to stand here and waste my time." With his left hand, Embryo starts reaching into his coat. "Now, why don't hand the gun to Irma and make this easy for yourself?"

BANG

Embryo grunted in pain. In that instance, Chris suddenly pulled the trigger, the look on her face saying that she didn't pull it on purpose. However, she still managed to shoot Embryo in his right shoulder, making him drop his revolver. He stopped reaching for whatever he was about to pull out and held his left hand over his wound. Chris, seeing an opening, put her finger back over the trigger and pointed her pistol at Embryo.

"I was wrong… You did have it in you to pull it…!" Embryo said, wincing in pain.

"Chris…!" Irma gritted her teeth, getting up to her hands and knees. "You little–"

"Make one more move… I'll shoot…!" Chris said in between breaths. "I–I'll empty out this entire magazine into him! Don't move or I'll shoot!"

Clearly, she didn't want to stand by and let her master be threatened like this. But Irma had no choice. She stayed still, and watched.

"So… would you care to elaborate on what this is about?" Embryo asked.

"You know DAMN well why I'm doing this!" Chris yelled. "What did you do… What did you do to me?! What is this song?! How are you making it play in my head?!"

"Song? I'm afraid you're not making any sense."

"This song… This song is…"

Even though she was free from his control, the device Embryo had Soundwave plant inside of Chris had drastic effects on her. Even now, Chris could hear Soundwave's hypnotizing tune playing over and over in her ears. She couldn't unhear it, despite the device not playing it. To her, it felt like the song had been etched into her brain. Right now, it was at a point where she could think. But she knew that it was connected to Embryo. And at his will, it can intensify and control it.

"It's… stuck in my head… I can't get it out…!" Chris said. "Everytime it gets louder and louder… my mind just… it just goes numb… Where did it come from…? Why are you doing this to me?!" Chris shakes her head. "No… No, I KNOW why…! You need me…! You need me don't you?!"

"Why on earth would I need a woman who's threatening to kill me?" Embryo questioned. "I know your mental state was unwell, but it seems you've completely lost it."

BANG

Chris pulled the trigger again, shooting Embryo in his left hand. The man groaned in pain before taking a few steps back. Chris took a few steps forward.

"Why would you torture me so much with this song if I wasn't needed?! Why enslave me?!" Embryo and Irma could see Chris starting to hyperventilate. "I remember everything, you piece of shit! How much you've hurt me and the others… Your plan to destroy the world… The way you left us all to die! Me, Ersha, Tanya, Irma, EVERYONE!"

"Liar!" Irma shouted, Chris turning to face her. "You don't remember a damn thing! Master Embryo's the only reason you're still alive! Humans tried to kill you before you could leave Arzenal. If it wasn't for him, you'd be dead!"

"…You're right…" Chris started giggling as if she'd lost her mind. "Y–You're absolutely right!" The Norma pointed at her forehead. "I was shot through the head with a bullet… And he brought me back to life…! He could revive the dead, control all of our Ragna-mails at once without our presence… So many amazing things…" The girl pulled the trigger again, the bullet whizzing past Embryo's head. "What was our purpose?! What could you possibly want with girls like us, other than for your own torture slaves!? Was I wrong?! Are you just torturing me because you don't need me?! Then why not kill me!?"

Embryo didn't say anything, and continued to let Chris talk. The girl was visibly unstable with all of her movements. She could barely control her breathing, but somehow kept enough strength to hold up a gun at him.

"And another thing…" Chris continued. "…Why haven't you healed your own wounds…?"

Finally, Chris said something that got a reaction out of him. Embryo tensed up slightly, just enough that Chris noticed it.

"What happened to the man who could do such wonders…? Can't you just… heal yourself? Shouldn't I not be able to kill you…?" Chris slowly turned her head back towards Embryo. "Is that why I'm here…? Is that why you're torturing me? Making me your slave? You're… You're not you anymore? You can't do amazing things anymore…? Is that why we're suddenly valuable to you…?"

"We were always valuable to Master Embryo," Irma said. "Regardless of what happened when that vortex sucked us all in, there's no doubt that he's the one who saved us. That should be more than enough for you to–"

"SHUT UP IRMA! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER FUCKING WORD FROM YOU, OR ELSE I'LL KILL HIM!"

"You wouldn't–"

"Irma… that's enough."

Embryo was… actually sweating, focusing all of his attention on Chris. To the Normas, it almost felt like everything she was saying had some weight behind it. Irma shut her mouth once Embryo spoke up.

"You actually need us, more than ever…!" Chris stated, walking forward as Embryo stepped back. "It's why you didn't kill me knowing I was afraid… You still need me… And I want to know…"

"To know… what?" Embryo asked.

"Why do you keep us around? What did you do to me to make this song play over and over…? Why are Tanya and Irma not dead…? What the hell is going on…?! Nothing makes sense! I want you to explain everything to me! I want to know why the hell are you making me suffer! Tell me! I want answers!"

"No wonder you're not shooting to kill… And if I refuse to talk?"

"I'll stand here all damn day and night… No matter how long it takes…!"

Embryo was extremely cautious. He couldn't answer all of Chris' questions, as he doesn't have concrete answers. At the same time, if he doesn't say anything, he knows Chris is going to start pulling the trigger again. And that surprisingly worried him. He wasn't sure what to do as he tried to keep some distance between him and Chris. He couldn't fight back after being shot twice. If Irma made any moves, Chris'll just shoot him anyway. And he doubts he can hold a conversation that'll give her the answers she wants, without telling her about the hypnosis.

"I–I'm serious!" Chris exclaimed. "I–I really will stand here forever! I won't let you go!"

"I can see that." Embryo said.

"Then say something! TALK!" Chris remained quiet for a minute, waiting to see if he'd say anything. To her surprise, nothing. Embryo didn't speak. "You… You're not taking me seriously are you? Do I need to do something to make you realize I'm serious?!" Chris turned and pointed her gun at Irma. "Do you want me… Do you want me to kill her?! Will that make you talk!?"

"Chris…" Irma said quietly.

"I–If you're so in love with him, then you'll be glad to take a bullet for him, right Irma?!" Chris slowly begins pulling the trigger. "Right?! Right?! Isn't that right–"

"Wait."

Chris paused as Embryo spoke up, Irma sitting there with a scared expression. The braided hair Norma turned to face the man, not lowering her guard.

"I suppose we could have a nice little chat, if it'll keep you from pulling the trigger so recklessly."

Chris nodded her head in confirmation, ready to let Embryo speak. However, just as the man was about to begin explaining things, a loud noise could be heard coming down the hallway. By the time Chris turned to see what's approaching, Soundwave came down the hall, hovering over her before transforming. The Decepticon landed on the ground, causing Chris to stumble and fall as her attention was off Embryo. Soundwave looked around and surveyed the situation.

"Am I interrupting something?" the communications officer asked. He looked down as Chris started shooting at him, holding his hand out to keep the bullets from hitting his face.

"Damn you! Damn you! DAMN YOU!" Chris shouted, looking completely deranged. "Get the hell away from us! I was so close…! So close to being free!"

Embryo looked at the woman, shaking his head as he reached into his coat despite his injured hand. He pulled out the same device he used during the invasion on Arzenal, and immediately turned the dial until it pointed to the red gauge area.

[Transformers Animated OST - Soundwave's Song]

Chris suddenly clenched her head and started screaming as the song in her head intensified into a violent orchestra, the frequency and volume causing her great distress. She stopped shooting and rolled around on the floor in agony.

"NO! NO MORE! I HATE THIS SONG, I HATE IT!" Chris started shouting. "IT HURTS! HELP ME! SOMEBODY! ANYBODY! HELP ME! DON'T PUT ME BACK TO SLEEP!"

"What… What's happening to her?" Irma asked, completely in shock.

"It's a failsafe I had for Chris, implemented with his help," Embryo said, gesturing to Soundwave. "I had a feeling that there's a chance Chris could get out of hand. To help keep her in check, I had it made so I can use this device to play music in order to bring her back to her senses… unfortunately, I didn't realize that it would cause her so much pain."

Irma couldn't help but look at Chris sadly. The girl was in more pain than she could possibly bear, thanks to Embryo's plan. She knew Embryo didn't want to do this, but knew that Chris would've shot at them both otherwise.

She went wide eyed all of a sudden as Chris got back on her knees… and pointed her pistol at her own head, specifically over her ears.

"What are you doing?!" Embryo asked, surprised.

"If it means I can escape from this suffering…" Chris said, sobbing as her arm was shaking. "Then I don't care if I live or die!"

Irma looked like she saw a ghost, and suddenly lunged at Chris. "DON'T DO IT!"

The redhead lunged at Chris, attempting to stop her from shooting herself. Just before she could fully squeeze the trigger, Irma successfully tackled the blunette.

CLICK

And thankfully either way, neither of them would get hurt. Chris wasted all of her bullets shooting at Soundwave in a frenzy. She couldn't have shot herself even if Irma didn't interfere. Embryo looked at the two, surprised by both of their actions to the point he turned the device. Chris dropped the gun and curled into a ball. Irma sat on the ground next to her, breathing heavily.

"Rosalie… Rosalie…" Chris started calling out Rosalie's name over and over, shaking and crying.

Embryo silently placed the device back into his jacket. Soundwave looked back and forth between the three, then focused on Embryo.

"I require a conversation with you," he said to the man.

"Starscream! It's been so long! I've been wondering when I was going to hear from you."

[Transformers Galaxy Force OST - In the Mood for Mischief]

Starscream let out a loud, long sigh. Unaware of what's happening elsewhere on the ship, the acting leader had his own headache to deal with. And that headache has a name—Octane. A Decepticon, and a known swindler and con man worse than Swindle. The last "ally" any Decepticon was hoping to run into. Starscream wouldn't even entertain him if the Nemesis wasn't in desperate need of Energon… and even then, crashing and being stranded in the middle of the ocean was starting to become the more appealing option.

"When I heard that the Nemesis was still here on Earth, I knew that I'd hear from my old allies sooner or later." Octane said over the monitor. "Good news! I've set up shop nicely in… what's this place called again…? 'Singapore' I believe."

"Yes, yes. We know where you are Octane…" Starscream said, already exhausted despite the conversation just starting. "I'm going to have to cut to the chase here."

"Ah, of course. You haven't told me the reason for the sudden call. But what's the big rush? If you've got your hands on the Decepticon warship, I'm sure you have some time to kill. Come on, give me some updates? How's the situation looking on the Nemesis? Have you run into my old pal Sandstorm? Any word from Trickdiamond by any chance–"

Starscream groaned and slammed his fist on the control panel. "Enough! I don't actually have time for any of your small talk. I heard from Swindle that you're sitting on a large pile of Energon."

"Ohh! So this is what you called me for."

"I hate to admit it, but the Nemesis is extremely low on its Energon supply. It'd barely make it to your coordinates without running out. Not to mention, there's barely any left for what remains of our forces. So as you can see, I require your… specific set of skills and services. For the Decepticon cause, of course."

"In need of a large supply of Energon, eh? Well, you called the right 'con for the job. Swindle's right. I've got a large supply right here."

"Excellent. The Nemesis will be arriving at your location shortly. We're going to need–"

"Hold on, hold on. Where are your manners, Mr. Leader of the Decepticons?"

"…What?"

"'What?' Don't 'What?' me now." Octane said sarcastically, while also laughing. "You don't really plan to ask for a large favor, one that involves a lot of Energon, and not even give the 'con who managed to find all of it a thank you for lending you a hand? Now that's just poor manners, Starscream. If it were Megatron, I'm sure he'd be able to at least say thank you for all my hard work."

"If Megatron were the one calling you, he wouldn't even put up with asking. He'd just storm into Singapore and take every last drop of Energon you have by force. And to be fair… that's starting to sound like a good idea."

"Oh! So you're saying you're going to start following in ol' Megatron's footsteps!" Octane claps his hands. "Atta boy, Starscream! That's one way to be the best leader for the Decepticons, am I right?"

To say Starscream was a little annoyed is an understatement. The seeker was completely vexed dealing with Octane, contemplating on if ending the conversation is a good idea or not. It took all of the Decepticon's mental strength not to bang his head on the control panel out of frustration as he sighed loudly. Behind him, Onslaught walked into the bridge, as he came to inform Starscream of Soundwave's return. The moment he saw Octane on the monitor, the Combaticon leader turned around and walked out before anyone saw him.

"I'll have you know that I have no intentions of being anything like that fool Megatron," Starscream stated. "As the new Decepticon leader, I intend to do all of the things that he could never hope to accomplish. And that includes reigning in unruly subordinates like you, Octane."

"Yes, wonderful, outstanding even." Octane said mockingly. "Now, how's about you top Megatron by showing that you have better manners than him, eh?"

"How about I just come down there and rip out your spark?" Starscream clenched his fist. "Even Megatron hasn't resorted to that. And it'd certainly do a lot of Decepticons favors."

"Well if you're going to be like that, then maybe I should pack up whatever I can carry and destroy the rest."

"You're bluffing. You'd really waste Energon like that, just to spite me?"

"What, you think I can't find a replacement source with ease? I've already got a few places mapped out to search for Energon, and I can clear out faster than the Nemesis can get here. So what do you say?"

Starscream groaned, knowing Octane wasn't bluffing. He finally caved in and played along with the Decepticon's game. "Fine. The Nemesis happens to be low on its Energon supply. It'd barely make it to your coordinates without running out. Not to mention, there's barely any left for what remains of our forces." Starscream forced himself to put a smile on his face to really go along with this. "Would you be so… kind as to give your fellow Decepticons the Energon you've stockpiled?"

"What are the magic words?"

"…Please. And thank you." Starscream said with the most forced smile on his face.

"I believe I could easily arrange that. I'll send rendezvous coordinates to the Nemesis right away. Thank you Starscream for your–"

Starscream ended the transmission before Octane could finish. He turned around and walked out of the bridge, Onslaught standing right outside.

"Was it worth it?" Onslaught asked.

Starscream didn't even look at the Combaticon as he answered. "No."

On the Solomon Islands, the Autobots went back to work on the Throne as they awaited Sideswipe and the other's return. Unaware to them, there was someone else on the island. The crash landing of the warship destroyed most of the terrain, as well as most life on the island. There shouldn't be anyone around that's native who can be near the Autobots. That was true. The person watching them wasn't native to the island.

Hidden nearby, beneath a pile of rubble was a blue mobile suit, the same one that helped Ange and the others in the firefight above the warship. Though the battle was over, the unknown mobile suit hadn't left the island, and was put into hiding. Not far from it, its pilot was sitting and watching the Autobots at work. She was eating a popsicle when she looked up, seeing the group's dropship flying overhead.

"Oh look." she said. "Those guys must be back."

The girl leaned back and laid on the chest of her mobile suit, holding her popsicle in her mouth as she sighed.

"Why do I have to be the one to stay here and watch these guys… Huh?" The girl leaned up slightly, spotting Nu Gundam strapped to the side of the dropship. "Hang on, is that a… Gundam?"